This week we give our first impressions of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, sharing how it performed on our track, interior comfort and quality, and where it fits into Hyundai's crowded SUV family. We also share how recent testing at the Consumer Reports test track discovered issues with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Toyota Sienna, and how each automaker responded to our findings to fix these vehicles. And our humble podcast has been on the road for over 8 years, beginning in March 2013, so to celebrate our 300th episode, we feature predictions from the Talking Cars audience about what we'll be discussing 8 years from now, covering the future of electric vehicles, infrastructure, self-driving and autonomous cars, and more!

:59 - issues CR discovered while testing Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Sienna

7:20 - 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe First Impressions

13:43 - Episode 300 reflections; what our audience thinks we will be discussing for our next 300 episodes!

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This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Buick Envision, and discuss where it’s built and how that affects its driving dynamics in comparison to other luxury compact SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. We also examine vehicle destination fees, discuss why these ballooning delivery charges may add to the cost of your new car, and point out which manufacturers are the biggest offenders of driving up the cost. Other topics include: the discrepancy between a tire pressure gauge and the car's TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system); differences between CR's brand report card and J.D. Power's brand rankings, and how to interpret all that data; and we explain how CR compensates for rain, air, and ground temperatures during brake-distance testing. 

 

 

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

 

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

 

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

 

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Intro

01:23 - Rise of Destination Fees

09:04 - 2021 Buick Envision First Impressions

17:47 - Question #1: What is the the difference between CR’s Brand Report Card and J.D. Power’s Brand Ranking?

20:45 - Question #2: Why is there a discrepancy between a tire pressure gauge and the car’s TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

23:27 - Question #3: How does CR compensate for rain, air, and ground temperatures during brake-distance testing?

26:01 - Question #4: Which small SUV would be a suitable replacement for a Mazda6 in order to improve driving in wintery weather conditions?

 

 

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Sticker Shock: The Truth About Destination Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/the-truth-about-destination-fees/

 

2021 Buick Envision

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buick/envision/

 

2016 Buick Envision Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ffB9ZA4GU

 

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/

 

10 Top Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-cars-top-picks-2021/

 

Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLtakpDFGtU

 

Car Maintenance and Repair Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/car-maintenance-and-repair-guide/

 

Wet Tire Testing at CR’s Track

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTNMhBiflLc

 

4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

 

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This week we discuss whether you should always trust a dealer's advice on maintenance intervals; if seat protector mats are safe to use with child seats; if purchasing a used CR recommended vehicle with high mileage is a wise choice; tips for negotiating a car lease, and if asking to have an independent mechanic check a certified pre-owned car is an automotive faux pas.

 

 

-----------------------------------

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

 

From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

 

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

 

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Intro

01:29 - Question #1: Should you always trust dealer’s advice on car maintenance schedule?

06:12 - Question #2: Is it safe to use seat protector mats with child seats?

09:10 - Question #3: Is purchasing a used CR recommenced vehicle with high mileage a wise choice?

11:45 - Question #4: What are some of the caveats to look out for when negotiating on a car lease?

17:48 - Question #5: Why don’t car makers build cars with replaceable stereo head units?

23:56 - Question #6: Is having an independent mechanic inspect a certified pre-owned car an automotive faux pas?

 

 

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Car Maintenance and Repair Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/car-maintenance-and-repair-guide/

 

Rear-Seat Safety for All Ages

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/rear-seat-safety-for-all-ages/

 

10 Cars Proven to Get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-best-cars-to-get-to-200000-miles-and-beyond/

 

What it will cost to get your car to 200,000 miles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/06/what-it-will-cost-to-get-your-car-to-200-000-miles/index.htm

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

 

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Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

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This week, we give our first impressions on Volkswagen's all-electric ID.4 small SUV. We discuss the ID.4's unique styling, how it compares to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3 and Y, and how VW's Electrify America charging network will need to make improvements to compete with other EV charging infrastructures. We also discuss the predicted reliability of the recently announced Kia Carnival minivan, that replaces the Sedona in Kia's lineup. We also discuss the recall of Tesla's touchscreens, and whether these components have a short lifespan; how Consumer Reports calculates electric vehicle range; and advice on how to manage a lease when you REALLY want to be driving a different car.

SHOW NOTES

1:20 - Volkswagen ID.4 first impressions

13:55 - Electrify America charging network

15:43 - Question #1: Ozzie from Los Angeles | How do online car reservations work?

19:09 - Question #2: Thomas | What’s CR’s predicted reliability for the new Kia Carnival minivan?

21:45 - Question #3: Chris | Will electric component wear become a problem on vehicles in the future?

23:58 - Question #4: Kevin from Cincinnati | How does CR test EV range?

25:20 - Question#5: Lamar from Chicago | Is it a good idea to trade in a 2011 Toyota Camry for a new lease on a  2021 Toyota Venza?

LINKS:

Preview: Sleek and Sporty 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV Revealed: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-volkswagen-id4-review/

First Drive: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is a Thrilling New Breed: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-mustang-mach-e-review/

Tesla Recalls Over 134,000 Vehicles for Faulty Screens: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/tesla-recalls-model-s-model-x-for-faulty-screens/